What to expect from the new Toyota Corolla Altis

It has been almost three years since the arrival of the all-new sharp looking Toyota Corolla Altis. It means that the Altis is up for its mid-life update. Since this is not a generation change, the changes will be largely cosmetic on the outside and it might get some additional equipment inside. So we draw a list of what we can expect from the Toyota Corolla Altis facelift due this year.

1. Styling

Since this is a mid-term facelift, the exterior has been tweaked. The headlamps have become slimmer along with the radiator grille which might get only two slats as compared to the current three slat grille. The air dam which is in three parts might get three black slats across the width with aggressive cuts towards the sides like the new Prius. The profile along with the alloys will continue. The tail lamps, like the headlamps have become slimmer and the new design gets clear lens with a new LED pattern.

2. LED headlamps

The new Corolla Altis might see the debut of LED headlamps in that segment and might not be standard across the trims. The LED headlamps will most probably be offered only with the top-spec trim VL trim which is offered only with the petrol automatic.

3. New Interior

The interior hasn’t changed much as well. The dashboard layout is exactly the same but the new Altis might get turbine-like round AC vents. While the dials of the instrument cluster look exactly the same the layout might be tweaked. Layout of the steering mounted controls might change. The India car will most probably continue to get black and beige interior and the current equipment list will continue with its presence.

4. Engine and gearbox

The new Corolla Altis will continue with the 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine that develops 138bhp of power and comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. You can also opt for the 1.8-litre petrol engine with a seven-speed automatic CVT gearbox with paddle shifters. In case of the diesel, though we expect a larger/powerful engine, we might have to make do with the same old 1.4-litre 87bhp turbocharged diesel engine that also comes mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. The good part is that puny diesel engine is extremely frugal.

5. Safety

Being a premium car, ABS and EBD are standard across the range but unlike the Thailand car that comes here, we will get only dual front airbags instead of the seven airbags it gets internationally.